Family, Friends Seek Answers After Teen Found Dead In Lawrence
LAWRENCE (CBS) - A tough night at Lawrence High school as hundreds gathered to comfort each other.
"We are all family and I believe support is what is best needed right now," said student Joseph Cruz.
Compounding the loss of sophomore Lee Manuel Paulino is the mystery surrounding his death and how he was found.
"We're in shock we don't know how to process this," said Lee's girlfriend, April Aguayo.
A woman found Lee's headless body Thursday afternoon by the Merrimack River. Officers recovered the head nearby.
Lee's father feared it was his son. When investigators left he ran into the woods where he grabbed a sweatshirt just in case it belonged to his son.
"Picture of me him and his little brother," Aguayo said as she pointed to a photo. "Somebody did something and they need to pay for it."
Lee disappeared in mid-November. His friends and family searched the city.
"I want to know what happened that day, I don't know," said Lee's best friend Sarita Lopez.
His friends say he loved music and to write poetry. He had no enemies.
Police say Lee's murder is an isolated case. But, that does not bring comfort here especially with no arrest.
"People are more scared whoever did it is still out there walking around," said student Angel Ruis.